BP says it funneled 76,000 gallons of oil and gas to a tanker in the first 12 hours of the cap—a small measure of success against the estimated 500,000 to 800,000 gallons that are sullying the Gulf every day, reports the New York Times. That number should increase over the coming days as engineers slowly close vents designed to ease pressure on the cap. “I would say that things are going as planned,” said one BP exec. “I am encouraged. But remember, we only have 12 hours’ experience.”
Also of note, reports the Times, Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen asked Congress yesterday to release more funds for the relief effort, which he says is in danger of running out in two weeks. Allen and Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano noted in their letter that $93 million has so far been spent, which BP hasn't reimbursed.
(More Gulf oil spill stories.)